Julie McCoy: Bring back our great librarian

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 7:27 AM

Most residents are aware of the difficult financial times the Providence community libraries have been experiencing. Now another issue -- this one having nothing to do with finances --threatens the well-being of three branches: Rochambeau, Fox Point

Edward C. Achorn Ed_Achorn

Most residents are aware of the difficult financial times the Providence community libraries have been experiencing. Now another issue -- this one having nothing to do with finances --threatens the well-being of three branches: Rochambeau, Fox Point, and Smith Hill.

Tom O'Donnell, who has served superbly as the manager of these branches since March 2009, has been summarily fired from his position by Laura Marlane, executive director of Providence Community Library -- the entity that oversees all the branch libraries. Ms. Marlane acted entirely on her own, citing Tom for "insubordination" but refusing to provide further information. As of this writing, she is listed on the PCL Web site as "Acting Director" of the Rochambeau branch.

Tom's performance as the libraries' manager has been stellar. Under his leadership, the libraries' services have expanded in line with their communities' best interests. Not only has Tom seen the big picture and pursued significant, well-chosen goals; he has also been consistently available to assist and inform individuals who seek him out and has been invariably receptive to ideas for expansion and enhancement of the libraries' offerings. Tom's stewardship of the libraries' resources has been impeccable, and his judgment has always been sound.

On Feb. 25, members of the communities involved attended the PCL board meeting to protest Tom's firing. Speakers of all ages testified to Tom's extraordinary commitment, creativity, energy, generosity, kindness, and community awareness.

Asher Schofield, president of the Hope Street Merchants Association, emphasized the countless ways in which Tom has worked diligently at the Rochambeau branch to connect the neighborhood and its businesses with library activities and, in particular, to bring children into the library as patrons. Wil Gregersen, a librarian at the Warwick Public Library, spoke of Tom's remarkable achievements and recounted how Tom's input has contributed to his own professional development.

Other community members supplied examples of Tom's outstanding performance throughout his tenure as well as personal anecdotes illustrating Tom's deep commitment to the branches he managed and their patrons.

Tom O'Donnell's contributions to these branch libraries and their respective neighborhoods are legion, and his removal is entirely arbitrary and unwarranted. His personal and professional commitment to the libraries' work has enhanced thousands of lives and, on his reinstatement, will continue to do so.

I urge readers who care about community libraries in Providence to take a few minutes to make a phone call or write a brief note on his behalf to public officials and/or to the board of Providence Community Library (P.O. Box 9267, Providence RI 02940; http://www.provcomlib.org/contact/contact.php).